Introduction
Victor Schwartz is a senior at Granada High school in Livermore as well as a horn player in the Oakland Symphony Youth Orchestra and went on tour to Central Europe earlier this year. In addition to horn he also plays multiple string, woodwind and brass instruments. Victor is also a composer and enjoys writing particularly for orchestras and other large ensembles. He is currently applying to conservatories as a composition major.
Professional Profile
Victor Schwartz, a standout member of Granada High School’s Orchestra and Jazz Band, earned a spot in the prestigious Oakland Youth Symphony Orchestra (OYSO) last year as the principal leader for the french horn section.
His musical journey began in fourth grade with the ukulele before he taught himself the violin, inspired by his grandmother who was a professional violinist. Alongside Granada’s orchestra, Victor played in the Livermore Amador Youth Symphony and Livermore Symphonic Band, mastering various instruments like viola, guitar, clarinet, and trumpet, eventually landing on the French horn, which led him to OYSO.
With bold determination, Victor impressed OYSO’s conductor by sight-reading his audition piece on the spot, earning his place in the orchestra. Transitioning from high school to professional orchestras, he found joy in playing complex concertos.
This experience boosted his confidence, leading him to apply to prestigious music conservatories like Boston, Manhattan, and Curtis, aspiring to study music composition.
Highlights of Victor’s journey include touring Europe with OYSO and experiencing sold-out shows in Prague, Vienna, and Budapest. Excited for the upcoming season featuring Tchaikovsky’s fifth symphony, Victor remains passionate about music, prioritizing his happiness over a potential career in political science.
For Victor, music isn’t just a hobby; it’s his passion and source of fulfillment, regardless of financial success or recognition.
Recent Projects
Instruments
Victor plays multiple instruments
Education
2024 – onward
Manhattan School of Music, New York
2019 – 2024
Granada High School, Livermore CA
While at Granada High School, Victor participated in Jazz Band and Orchestra.